The Finishing Touch12 accessories
Accessories
Bags, belts, eyewear, headwear — the nuances that complete a look.
Backpack
A backpack is a bag carried on the back on two shoulder straps that distribute the weight evenly across both shoulders and free the hands. It is one of the most practical and ergonomic bag forms, historically tied to travel, the army and study. In modern fashion the backpack long ago went beyond the purely utilitarian: alongside sports and outdoor models there are elegant leather, urban, designer and even luxury backpacks that combine comfort with style. It suits a business, sporty and everyday look alike. A backpack is a shoulder bag on two straps, in which the ergonomic distribution of weight and freedom of the hands combine with a modern fashion reading that made it a versatile accessory — from utilitarian gear to an elegant urban and designer item.
Bag
A bag is an accessory that unites function and style: it carries our things and at the same time completes a look, often becoming its main accent. Bags are a vast family of styles, and each has its context: a roomy shopper and tote for every day, a structured tote for the office, a cross-body on a long strap for free hands, an elegant clutch for the evening, a backpack for an active day. Material, hardware and shape define the character: smooth leather sounds statusy, textile relaxed. Historically the bag evolved from simple pouches and belt purses to iconic designer models that become status symbols and objects of collecting. A well-chosen bag can 'make' a whole look. It is the most practical yet most expressive accessory of the wardrobe.
Baguette bag
A baguette bag is a small, elongated handbag on a short strap, carried under the arm, pressed to the side — just as a Frenchman carries a baguette loaf under the arm (hence the name). It is an accent rather than a roomy accessory: only the essentials fit into it. The baguette was made famous by the house of Fendi in the late 1990s, and the series 'Sex and the City' turned it into a cult object of desire and a symbol of the status 'it-bag'. The compact, elegant shape makes it ideal for going out. Today the baguette has undergone a powerful fashion revival. A baguette bag is a small elongated handbag carried under the arm, in which a compact, elegant shape combines with the cult status of the late-1990s 'it-bag' that made it a symbol of refined, slightly nostalgic chic.
Belt bag
A belt bag is a small bag fastened on a belt around the waist or hips, leaving the hands completely free. Born as a purely utilitarian accessory for travellers, athletes and those needing quick access to small things, it has undergone a vivid fashion revival. In the 1980s–90s it was known as the 'fanny pack', then it went out of fashion, and in the 2010s it returned as a fashion item — worn not only at the waist but also diagonally across the chest. Today belt bags are made by both sports brands and luxury houses. A belt bag is a compact bag on a belt around the waist or across the chest, in which utilitarian convenience and freedom of the hands combine with a fashion revival that turned the former 'fanny pack' into a current accessory of street and sporty style.
Briefcase
A briefcase is a structured rectangular bag with rigid walls, historically meant for carrying documents and papers. It is a business, status accessory associated with the professional world, seriousness and order. The classic leather briefcase with a lock clasp is a symbol of business etiquette; modern versions have transformed into elegant laptop-and-document bags while keeping the recognisable strict geometry. Unlike soft bags, a briefcase holds its shape and protects its contents, and its spare silhouette suits a suit and formal dress code perfectly. The briefcase is chosen by those who value function, organisation and classic business aesthetics. It is an accessory of authority and professionalism that gives a look a finished, confident solidity.
Bucket bag
A bucket bag is a soft bag of characteristic cylindrical shape with a flat round bottom and a top drawn together with a drawstring, resembling a bucket (hence the name). Roomy and relaxed, it is comfortable to carry over the shoulder on a long strap and holds a lot. The bucket bag has a relaxed, slightly bohemian character, and the drawstring at the top adds playfulness. The style was popularised by the house of Louis Vuitton with its Noé model (1932), a drawstring bag originally made for carrying champagne bottles. Today it is a fashion classic in various materials. A bucket bag is a soft cylindrical bag with a drawstring at the top, in which roominess and a relaxed, slightly bohemian character combine with a playful silhouette that made it a fashion classic for relaxed everyday looks.
Clutch
A clutch is a small flat handbag with no handles (or with a thin chain or loop), held in the hand or under the arm. The name itself comes from the English 'clutch' — to grip, to hold. It is an evening, festive accessory: only the essentials fit into a clutch — phone, lipstick, keys — so it is associated with going 'out', when no extra baggage is needed. Clutches range from strictly minimalist to luxurious, adorned with crystals, embroidery or a metal minaudière body. The shape and décor make it a true jewel of a look, a refined finishing touch to a dress or suit. A clutch demands to be held in the hand, and it is exactly this that lends the gesture a special elegance. It is the quintessence of evening, festive refinement in accessories.
Crossbody bag
A crossbody is a bag on a long strap worn across the body (the strap runs from one shoulder to the opposite hip), so the bag sits close and secure while the hands stay free. It is one of the most comfortable and practical ways to carry a bag — especially when travelling, in the city or at an active pace, since it does not slip and is protected from theft. Crossbody bags come in any size — from tiny to roomier — and in any style. The adjustable strap allows the fit to be adapted. A crossbody is a bag on a long strap worn across the body, in which maximum comfort, security and freedom of the hands combine with a versatility that made it an ideal accessory for travel, the city and active everyday life.
Keychain
A keychain is a small decorative pendant attached to keys, a bag, a backpack or a wallet. Originally a purely practical object (to avoid losing keys and to find them easily), the keychain turned into a fashion, personalised accessory too. Large, striking pendant charms on luxury bags became especially popular — fur pompoms, leather figures, metal charms with logos — that adorn and 'enliven' a bag, adding a playful, individual character (a trend once set by the house of Fendi with its 'monsters'). A keychain reflects the owner's taste and mood. A keychain is a small decorative pendant for keys or a bag, in which a practical origin combines with the role of a fashion, personalised accent that adorns and 'enlivens' an accessory, reflecting the playful, individual character of the owner.
Satchel
A satchel is a structured rectangular bag with a rigid bottom, a flap fastening on top and a long shoulder strap. Historically the satchel descends from school and postal bags for books and documents, so it has a tidy, slightly retro and 'academic' character. The rigid construction reliably protects the contents and holds a clean shape. A satchel is comfortable to carry over the shoulder or cross-body, freeing the hands. A classic leather satchel is a timeless classic that suits a business and casual look with a note of British charm. A satchel is a structured bag with a flap and shoulder strap, in which school-postal roots combine with a tidy, retro and 'academic' character that makes it a timeless, practical accessory with a touch of British charm.
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